Military helicopter airlifts tourists in Sikkim (Photo: Defence PRO Guwahati)
New Delhi/Siliguri: In the aftermath of the devastating landslide that struck North Sikkim, the Indian Army has been working relentlessly under extreme weather and hazardous terrain conditions to assist local residents and stranded tourists.
Lachen village, the main hub for tourism in the region, has been completely cut off. The Army has established foot connectivity to the village and reached out to 113 stranded tourists, who will be evacuated soon.
The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has also mounted an extensive emergency operation in northern Sikkim, working round the clock to restore vital connectivity.
On June 03, a total of 30 tourists, including some foreign nationals, were successfully airlifted by military helicopters.
Meanwhile, search operations continue with urgency to locate the six individuals still missing after the landslide struck a military camp at Chaten.
The missing include Lieutenant Colonel Pritpal Singh Sandhu, Subedar Dharamveer, Naik Sunilal Muchahary, Sepoy Sainudheen PK, Squadron Leader Aarti Sandhu (Retd), wife of Lieutenant Colonel Sandhu, and their daughter Amayra Sandhu.
The Army has deployed specialised teams and engineering equipment; however, the ongoing efforts have been significantly hampered by extremely bad weather, unstable ground, and the challenging high-altitude terrain.
The Indian Army remains unwavering in its commitment—every life matters, and every effort continues.
